The 8 Best Halloween Animatronics to Become the Scariest House on the Block

ProsEasy setupMoving head with soundConsSome reviewers say its fragileOnly the bravest trick-or-treaters will get past this terrifying, otherworldly figure. Approach the 6-foot-tall reaper, and he’ll get right in your face, moaning and emitting eerie, bone-chilling shrieks as he flashes his wicked, glowing eyes at you.Better not scream, either, or he’ll continue to haunt you. Maybe you can do without that Hershey bar after all?ProsSound-activated for a scary effectBattery operated, so you don't have to worry about an outletConsBatteries not includedNothing says haunted house quite like a ghost that suddenly appears out of nowhere. This sound-activated animatronic rises from beneath its flowing shroud to startle unsuspecting guests before sinking back down, while glowing LED eyes and sound effects add to the illusion.The battery-powered design makes it easy to place in entryways, covered porches, or inside a haunted display without worrying about finding a nearby outlet.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsReliable powerA few activation optionsWith a ghostly robe and glowing lantern, this 7-foot-tall phantom will inspire fear in the bravest of souls. He mutters freaky phrases and moves his torso while his eyes light up and his head turns side to side, as if he’s seeking his next victim. There are three different ways to activate the phantom, including an infrared beam that can be triggered from 6.5 feet away. The package also comes with an adapter and volume control.Key SpecsDimensions30 x 24 x 15 in.Power SourcePlug-inMountFreestandingProsPosable armsGreat for indoor/outdoor useConsSome reviewers say it's not very sturdyThis zombie maid was scorned by her master hundreds of years ago, and every Halloween she unleashes her inner anger at those who dare walk past her quarters. Better not make a mess...If you bump into her, beware. She still wears her old apron and bonnet, and with a hint of motion, she’ll flash her beady red eyes wildly, hunch forward with her silver platter, and deliver an evil cackle.She comes with four different phrases so no group of trick-or-treaters will get the same experience. Best of all, this animatronic can double as a place to put candy, which is helpful if you want to take your kids out and rely on your zombie maid to hand out treats.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPosable armsTouch-activated movementConsSmaller than other optionsDon't underestimate this compact groundbreaker. At just 21 inches tall, Trevor the Zombie creates the illusion of clawing his way out of the grave, complete with glowing LED eyes, eerie moans, and touch-activated movement that catches unsuspecting guests off guard.His poseable arms let you customize the scare, while the battery-powered design makes it easy to place him on a porch, entryway, or tucked into a haunted display without worrying about cords. It's an affordable way to add a convincing jump scare to your Halloween setup without sacrificing valuable yard space.Pros6 feet tall for maximum scare effectSets up easilyConsVery lightweight, may fall over in the windA towering six feet tall, this animated witch is the kind of Halloween prop that immediately grabs attention. Triggered by nearby sound, she comes to life by waving her cane while glowing eyes and cackles help set a haunted-house mood for trick-or-treaters. The lifelike fabric robes and weathered face give her a classic storybook-witch look, making her an easy centerpiece for a porch, entryway, or indoor haunt.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBuilt in sound effectsCan slowly walk on its ownConsHas no automatic shut off or awareness if it travels too farA smaller, more affordable option, this Halloween animatronic stirs up the scares without a body. A zombie hand, still sentient with a hunger for brains, slowly crawls toward you and any unlucky trick-or-treaters walking up to your door.Simply put in a battery and flip the switch, and the hand begins moving and crawling around on its own. Because it is battery-operated, it can move freely without being tethered to a cord or stuck on a mount.The only downside is that because it is free, it may wander off and scare some unsuspecting neighbor if left alone on a flat surface.ProsLED eyes are very brightVery tall and great for outdoor useConsOnly arms and head moveScarecrows are a Halloween staple, but this 6-foot-tall animatronic adds an extra layer of fright. Sound activation brings it to life with glowing LED eyes, sound effects, and animated arm and head movements that make it seem like it's watching every visitor who passes by. Its tattered clothing and sinister pumpkin-inspired face give it a creepy harvest-season look that's perfect for front porches or haunted trails.Tom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.Rachel is the Deputy Editor of Reviews for Hearst's Enthusiast and Wellness Group where she supports Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and Best Products. Her background is in service journalism and earlier in her career she worked as a daily newspaper reporter and book editor. She spent more than a decade as a staff editor and writer at TripAdvisor and Penguin Random House and her byline has appeared in Time Out New York, the New York Daily News, and New York Magazine. Outside of work, Rachel can be found planning her next trip, visiting museums and galleries, and walking her wirehaired dachshund in Central Park.Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.